Treatment preferences in men with erectile dysfunction： an open label study in Korean men switching from sildenafil citrate to tadalafil

To evaluate patient preferences for sildenafil citrate or tadalafil （PDE-5 inhibitors available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction [ED]） and assess potential reasons for these preferences. Methods： This open-label study was conducted on Korean men taking sildenafil, at least 6 weeks prior to study entry, for ED. Following screening, patients continued sildenafil treatment for 4 weeks, then after a 1-week washout period, switched to tadalafil for 8 weeks. Patients then continued with their treatment of choice during an extension phase. Psychosocial factors （time concern, spontaneity, sexual self-confidence） were evaluated using Psychological and Interpersonal Relation- ship Scales （PAIRS）, while timing of dose to sexual attempt patterns were assessed from patient diaries. Results： The present study enrolled 160 Korean men （mean age 55 years） with prior median sildenafil use of 585 days. During the extension phase, 73.7% of patients elected to take tadalafil, whereas 26.3% chose sildenafil （P 〈 0.001）. After switching from sildenafil to tadalafil, mean PAIRS time concern scores decreased from 2.54 to 2.42 （P = 0.002）, with no statistically significant differences observed between the sildenafil and tadalafil assessment phases in sexual spontaneity and self-confidence scores. Sexual attempts made 〉 4 h to 〈 36 h post-dose occurred in 4.5% of patients during the sildenafil assessment phase compared with 17.5% during the tadalafil assessment phase. Conclusion： After experiencing both sildenafil and tadalafil, the majority of patients exhibited a preference for tadalafil. This preference might be influenced by psychosocial factors, such as decreased time concerns, and a broader window of opportunity available for sexual activity.     

A new potential risk factor in patients with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation： folate deficiency

We investigated serum folic acid （FA） levels in patients with erectile dysfunction （ED） and/or premature ejaculation （PE）. Fasting serum samples were obtained from 42 patients with ED, 36 with PE, 25 ED patients with PE, and 30 healthy men; the mean intravaginal ejaculation latency time （IELT） was measured during a 4 weeks baseline period. Levels of sex hormones （follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone）, homocysteine （Hcys）, and FA were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassays. The sexual functions of PE patients and normal control men were evaluated using the Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation （CIPE）. The abridged Intemational Index of Erectile Function-5 （IIEF-5） questionnaire was used to gauge erectile quality for ED patients and for normal controls. Serum FA concentrations were lower in ED （7.61 ~ 3.97 ng ml-1）, PE （9.37 ＋ 3.40 ng ml-1）, and ED/PE （8.84 ＋ 4.28 ng m1-1） patients than in healthy men （12.23 ~ 5.76 ng ml-z, P〈 0.05）. No significant differences in sex hormone levels were found between patients with sexual dysfunction and healthy controls （P 〉 0.05）. There were positive correlations between serum FA concentrations and ClPE scores （r= 0.530, P〈 0.01）, IIEF-5 scores （r= 0.589, P〈 0.01）, and IELT （r= 0.445, P〈 0.01）; negative correlations with Hcys concentrations （r= -0.487, P〈 0.01） were found in all participants. These findings showed a strong relationship between serum FA levels and sexual dysfunction, possibly due to an effect of FA on the metabolism of nitric oxide, Hcys, and 5-hydroxytryptamine.     

Long-term sexual activity status and influencing factors in men after surgery for hypospadias

The aim of this study was to compare the long-term postoperative status of hypospadiac patients by analysing their sexual psychology, sexual behaviour, sexual function and influencing factors. A total of 130 hypospadiac patients hospitalized between January 1988 and December 2007 were followed up with questionnaires using Zung＇s Self-rating Depression Scale （SDS）, Self-rating Anxiety Scale （SAS）, a self-designed sexual function questionnaire and a 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF-5）. The surveys served to evaluate the effects of hypospadias type, number of operations and surgical procedures on sexual psychology, sexual behaviour and sexual function. The control group consisted of 50 healthy adults. The postoperative SDS / SAS scores and occurrences of depression/anxiety in hypospadiac patients were significantly higher than those of normal controls （P 〈 0.001）. Patients with proximal hypospadias and multiple procedures differed from those with distal hypospadias and a single procedure in all parameters of sexual psychology （P 〈 0.05）. The average penile lengths and circumferences ofhypospadiac patients under either erect or flaccid conditions were significantly shorter than those of normal controls （P 〈 0.001）. A similar difference existed between patients with distal and proximal hypospadias （P 〈 0.01）. There was no significant difference in any parameter of sexual function between patients with different numbers of operations and surgical procedures. Hypospadiac patients were clearly impaired in sexual psychology and penile development. The severity of hypospadias and number of operations were key factors that influenced the sexual psychology of patients. This finding indicated the importance of long-term follow-up and psychological counselling for hypospadiac patients postoperatively.     

Sildenafil versus continuous positive airway pressure for erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnea： a comparat-ive study of their efficacy and safety and the patient＇s satisfaction with treatment

Aim： To assess the efficacy of sildenafil and continuous positive airway pressure （CPAP） in the treatment of concurrent erectile dysfunction （ED） with obstructive sleep apnea （OSA）, and to gauge the level of treatment satisfaction in patients and their partners. Methods： Forty men were treated for 12 weeks with sildenafil 100 mg （20 men） or CPAP during nighttime sleep （20 men）. Treatment efficacy was assessed by the rate of successful intercourse attempts, and satisfaction with treatment was assessed by patients＇ and partners＇ answers to question 1 of the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction. Results： Under sildenafil, 128 of 249 （51.4%） intercourse attempts were successful; under CPAP, 51 of 193 （26.9%） attempts were successful （^cp 〈 0.001）. Erectile function was improved in both groups. After sildenafil and CPAP treatment, the mean International Index for Erectile Function domain scores were 14.3 and 10.8, respectively （^bp = 0.025）, compared to 7.8 and 7 at baseline, respectively. CPAP and sildenafil were well tolerated. Sporadic episodes of nasal dryness under CPAP and transient headache and flushing under sildenafil were not significant. Fifty percent of patients treated with sildenafil and 25% with CPAP were satisfied with the treatment, and their partners were equally satisfied. The satisfaction scores for both patients and partners under sildenafil were superior to those under CPAP （^cP 〈 0.002）. Conclusion： Both sildenafil 100 mg and CPAP, used separately, had positive therapeutic impact but sildenafil was superior. Patients and their partners were more satisfied with sildenafil for the treatment of ED. However, because of the high proportion of dissatisfied men and partners, new therapeutic agents or a combination of the two methods must be studied further.     

原发性精索静脉曲张与阴茎勃起功能障碍的相关性探讨

目的 了解原发性精索静脉曲张与阴茎勃起功能障碍的关系.方法 以527例原发性精索静脉曲张患者为研究对象,全部原发性精索静脉曲张患者均接受手术治疗,搜集手术前后精索静脉曲张的临床资料和国际勃起功能指数-5(IIEF-5)问卷调查结果.结果 国际勃起功能指数-5(IIEF-5)分值随原发性精索静脉曲张术后治愈而升高.原发性精索静脉曲张疗效满意,合并的勃起功能障碍病情好转.结论 原发性精索静脉曲张很可能是勃起功能障碍的危险因素,其继发的心理因素,也可以成为勃起功能障碍的心理病因之一.原发性精索静脉曲张的治疗,可以改善阴茎勃起功能障碍的病情.

Abstract：

Objectives To understand the relationship between Varicocele( VC ) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods 527 patients with VC were investigated by International Index of Erectile Function - 5 ( IIEF-5) before and 6 months after surgery. All patients were treated with operation for Varicocele. Results The prevalonce of Erectile dysfunction in patients with varicocele decreased after the varicocele been treated. The treatment of varicoeele was satisfying, the state of erectile dysfunction turn for the better. Conclusions Varicocele probably is one of the risk factor in erectile dysfunction. The treatment of varicocele can improve the state of erectile dysfunction.     

Treatment of pituitary prolactinoma reverses unresponsiveness to PDE5 inhibitor therapy in men with ED and SHPRL

Dear Editor, Four patients with erectile dysfunction （ED） induced by pituitary prolactinoma presented to our clinic from 2007 to 2008. The patients had been misdiagnosed nearly 2 years earlier at other hospitals because severe ED was the initial symptom. None of these patients had experi-enced successful and satisfactory intercourse in approximately 2 years despite being treated with numerous medications, including the repeated administration of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors （PDE5is） （sildenafil 100 mg and/or tadalafil 20 mg）. However, after successful treatment for pituitary prolactinoma, the response to PDE5is improved dramatically. The four cases are described in this report.     

Medical management of erectile dysfunction in aging males： is it too late to treat？

Erectile dysfunction （ED） is a common disorder among aging males. However, most aging males refuse to seek medical help and believe that ED is an irreversible event in the aging process. The purpose of this study was to describe the current medical management of ED in aging males and to examine whether it is too late to treat this disorder in these elderly men. From 2007 to 2008, 4507 patients diagnosed with ED were gathered from 46 centers in China; 4241 completed the study, 3837 of whom were treated with sildenafil. The 3837 patients were divided into five groups based on age （group A： 20-30 years; group B： 31-40 years; group C： 41-50 years; group D： 51-60 years; and group E： 〉60 years）. After comparing pre- and posttreatment International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain （IIEF-EF） questionnaires, Erection Hardness Scale （EHS）, and IIEF Q13 （＂How satisfied have you been with your overall sex life？＂）, we discovered that the aging males had worse erectile function, erection hardness, and sexual satisfaction than the younger males （P〈 0.001）. After treatment, the improvement rates in the IIEF-EF, EHS, and IIEF Q13 scores were 107.0%, 83.1%, and 116.5%, respectively. The magnitude of these changes demonstrated significant differences among groups （P 〈 0.001）. Accordingly, aging males are likely to benefit more from medical treatment. We propose that aging males should be informed that age is not a limiting factor for medical ED management, and it is never too late to treat.     

Sexual function of premature ejaculation patients assayed with Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation

Aim: To assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation (CIPE). Methods: The sexual function of 167 patients with and 114 normai controls without premature ejaculation (PE) were evaluated with CIPE. All subjects were married and had regular sexual activity. The CIPE has 10 questions, focusing on libido, erectile function, ejaculatory latency, sexual satisfaction and difficulty in delaying ejaculation, self-confi dence and depression. Each question was responded to on a 5 point Likert-type scale. The individual question score and the total scale score were analyzed between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the age, duration of marriage and educational level (P > 0.05) of patients with and vvithout PE and normai controls. The mean latency of patients with PE and normai controls were 1.6±1.2 and 10.2±9.5 minutes, respectively. Significant differences between patients with (26.7±4.6) PE and normai     

Rechallenge prior sildenafil nonresponders

To assess inappropriate use as a cause of sildenafil (Viagra ) failure and the feasibility of successfully rechallenging nonresponding patients, a total of 60 consecutive erectile dysfunction (ED) patients who first presented to our hospital and claimed poor response to sildenafil were enrolled into the study. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) was used to evaluate their baseline ED status and a self-administered sildenafil-use questionnaire composed of nine questions (SUQ-9) to assess how they had used sildenafil. A total of 44 subjects consent to rechallenge with sildenafil and were given thorough instruction based on individual answers to SUQ-9 and four doses of sildenafil 100 mg. After a 4-week follow-up, end point efficacy of rechallenge was evaluated using the IIEF-5 and the global assessment question (GAQ), 'After the treatment, did you have successful sexual intercourse?' Of the 60 subjects, 44 (77.3%) had one or more areas of major suboptimal use of sildenafil: 18 (30.0%) did not know that sexual stimulation was necessary for sildenafil to work, 36 (60.0%) attempted to use sildenafil less than four times, and 27 (45.0%) took a maximal dose less than 100 mg. Of the 44 patients undergoing sildenafil rechallenge, 34 (77.3%) completed the follow-up, while seven (15.9%) received only GAQ assessment by telephone interview and three (6.8%) were lost to follow-up. The total follow-up rate was 93.2% (41/44). Based on answers to the GAQ, the response rate to rechallenge was 58.5% (24/41). The mean improvement in the IIEF-5 score was 8.4+/-5.5 in responders (P <0.05). With individualized thorough instruction based on answers to SUQ-9 and scheduled follow-up, a high success rate was achieved by rechallenge with sildenafil in prior failures. The efficacy of sildenafil could be improved to a great extent by adequate education of patients and continuing medical education given to primary-care physicians.     

按时口服他达拉非治疗按需口服西地那非治疗无效的勃起功能障碍(附15例报告)

目的:总结他达拉非治疗西地那非治疗无效的勃起功能障碍患者的诊疗经验。方法:回顾总结2010年9月至2012年3月15例按需口服西地那非治疗无效的勃起功能障碍患者的病例资料。结果:15例按需口服西地那非治疗无效的勃起功能障碍患者中,11例治疗后勃起功能改善明显,4例改善不明显,有效率73.3%。治疗前后IIEF-5评分比较有显著性差异(P<0.05),疗效满意。4例患者出现不良反应,其中轻微头痛2例,颜面潮红1例,1例出现轻微的腰背痛,均为一过性,继续用药后减轻或消失。结论:按时口服他达拉非是治疗按需口服西地那非治疗无效的勃起功能障碍患者的安全有效方法。     

An open, comparative, multicentre clinical study of combined oral therapy with sildenafil and doxazosin GITS for treating Chinese patients with erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia

This study sought to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of combined oral therapy with sildenafil and doxazosin GITS compared to sildenafil monotherapy in treating Chinese patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH/LUTS). The trial was conducted in hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, Wuhan and Guangzhou, five major cities in China. A total of 250 patients diagnosed with ED and BPH/LUTS aged 50-75 years, and who had International Index of Erection Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores ≤21 and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥10 points, were enrolled and randomly divided into Group A (168 cases; doxazosin GITS 4 mg once daily plus sildenafil 25-100 mg on demand) and Group B (82 cases; sildenafil 25-100 mg on demand). Efficacies were evaluated by IIEF-5 and IPSS scores and a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, and adverse effects were evaluated during the treatment period. There were no statistically significant differences in mean age, and IIEF-5, IPSS and QoL scores pre-treatment between the two groups. After treatment, IIEF-5, IPSS and QoL scores were significantly improved in Group A, while only IIEF-5 scores were significantly improved in Group B compared with pre-treatment. There were no significant differences in side effects between the two groups. The results indicated that combined therapy with sildenafil and doxazosin GITS for the treatment of ED and BPH/LUTS is safe and effective compared to sildenafil monotherapy.     

Addition of metformin to sildenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction in eugonadal nondiabetic men with insulin resistance. A prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study

Erection depends largely on the release of nitric oxide (NO) by vascular endothelial cells. Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic abnormality that produces endothelial dysfunction characterized by decreased synthesis and release of NO. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of treatment with metformin on the response to sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and IR enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind placebo study. We included 30 male patients with ED, IR, and poor response to sildenafil. Exclusion criteria included pharmacologic, anatomic, or endocrine ED; diabetes; prostatic surgery; or chronic illnesses. Erectile function was rated according to the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5); IR was measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA; IR = HOMA ≥ 3). Patients were randomized to receive metformin (n = 17) or placebo (n = 13). After treatment with metformin, patients with ED showed a significant increase in IIEF-5 score and a significant decrease in HOMA, both occurring at month 2 (IIEF-5: 17.0 ± 6.0 vs 14.3 ± 3.9, P = .01; HOMA: 3.9 ± 1.6 vs 5.5 ± 2.4, P = .01) to 4 of treatment (IIEF-5: 19.8 ± 3.8 vs 14.3 ± 3.9, P = .005; HOMA: 4.5 ± 1.9 vs 5.5 ± 2.4, P = .04), with no changes in these parameters in patients with ED receiving placebo. Patients treated with metformin had more adverse events than those who received placebo: 61.5% compared with 7.7%, P = .03, respectively. Adverse events were mild, mainly gastrointestinal, and did not cause discontinuation of treatment. Treatment with metformin in patients with ED and poor response to sildenafil reduced the IR and improved erectile function.     

小剂量他达拉非降阶梯治疗心因性勃起功能障碍

目的:探讨小剂量他达拉非降阶梯治疗对心因性勃起功能障碍的疗效。方法:采用勃起功能国际指数问卷(IIEF-5)、勃起硬度分级评分(EHS)。将门诊诊断为心因性勃起功能障碍共84例患者随机分小剂量他达拉非降阶梯治疗组(观察组,n=42)、按需治疗组(对照组,n=42)治疗2个月,进行治疗前后及组间对比评分。结果:对照组5例失访共79例完成观察研究。两组治疗后IIEF-5评分、EHS较治疗前均明显提高。观察组、对照组治疗ED有效率分别达95.2%、86.5%,与对照组相比,观察组有更高的有效率以及依从性(P<0.05)。结论:他达拉非对心因性勃起功能障碍具有良好作用,小剂量他达拉非降阶梯治疗优于按需治疗。     

Daily use of sildenafil improves endothelial function in men with type 2 diabetes

Diminished vascular endothelial function results in decreased vasodilator capacity and is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients afflicted with type 2 diabetes. The current study was designed to evaluate whether daily use of sildenafil could alter endothelial function and improve penile rigidity in a group of patients with diabetic ED. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial was conducted with 24 men with type 2 diabetes who were randomized into 2 groups: one receiving daily sildenafil (50 mg, n = 12) and the other placebo (n = 12) for 10 weeks. Erectile function was captured subjectively using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and endothelial function was objectively monitored via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Among the placebo and sildenafil groups, there were no significant differences in average patient age, time from type 2 diabetes diagnosis, duration of ED, or baseline IIEF-5 scores. Past medical histories, including smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, were also similar. At the conclusion of the 10-week trial, patients who received daily sildenafil had significantly improved erectile rigidity as captured by IIEF-5 (P < .001) and increased endothelial function via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (P < .01). Endothelial function in men with type 2 diabetes was enhanced with daily sildenafil. Improved erectile rigidity and enhanced vascular circulation was noted after 10 weeks of daily sildenafil use.     

复方玄驹胶囊联合万艾可治疗万艾可渐进性失效勃起功能障碍的临床观察

目的:探讨复方玄驹胶囊联合万艾可治疗万艾可渐进性失效勃起功能障碍(ED)的临床疗效。方法:将符合万艾可渐进性失效ED诊断标准的36例患者随机分成两组,每组各18例。其中治疗组给予复方玄驹胶囊(口服,2粒/次,3次/日)和万艾可50 mg(性生活前1 h口服)口服;对照组单纯口服万艾可100 mg(性生活前1 h口服)。两组性生活频率1～2次/周,观察期2个月,对用药前后患者国际勃起功能评分(IIEF-5)及TSS伴侣评分进行对比分析。结果:两组每次使用万艾可对勃起功能改善的有效率比较,治疗组总有效率94.44%,对照组88.89%,两组对比差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。IIEF-5评分治疗组治疗前后分别为(13.166 7±3.601 5)和(20.888 9±3.833 1),而对照组治疗前后分别为(13.055 6±2775 4)和(18.777 8±4.008 2),每组治疗前后对比差异有显著性意义(P<0.05);治疗后两组IIEF-5评分及TSS伴侣评分比较,治疗组的效果均比对照组好,且差异具有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论:复方玄驹胶囊联合万艾可治疗万艾可渐进性失效ED疗效显著。     

他达拉非按需与按时治疗勃起功能障碍前瞻性、多中心研究

目的:探讨他达拉非按需与按时治疗ED的安全性和有效性。方法:采用多中心随机对照研究,按需组于性生活前口服他达拉非10 mg/20 mg,按时组每周两次口服他达拉非10 mg/20 mg,治疗期为8周,于治疗前(V0)、治疗4周(V1)、治疗8周(V2)和治疗8周停药1个月(V3)时分别行IIEF-5、EDITS和SF-PAIRS评分,评估两种方案的安全性和有效性。结果:共有110例患者完成本研究,其中按时组56例,按需组54例。按时组与按需组V1、V2和V3的IIEF-5评分相比V0均明显改善,且V2[(21.6±2.9)分vs(18.5±1.7)分]和V3[(20.9±2.1)分vs(17.9±2.3)分]时按时组的得分明显高于按需组(P0.05)。按时组V2[(31.7±6.9)分]和V3[(30.6±4.7)分]的EDITS评分与按需组V2[(28.6±5.8)分]和V3[(27.9±6.5)分]相比明显提高(P0.05)。两组患者SF-PAIRS性自信指数、性自然指数和性时间顾虑指数评分与基线期相比均有明显改善(P0.05),且在治疗8周停药1个月(V3)时按时组三者的评分明显优于按需组。两组安全性无明显差异。结论:他达拉非按时用药方案治疗ED安全有效,在治疗8周及停药1个月时按时组疗效优于按需组。按时治疗作为他达拉非一种新的用药方案,有望成为ED治疗的新策略。     

枸橼酸西地那非治疗男性肾移植受者勃起功能障碍

目的 :评价枸橼酸西地那非治疗肾移植术后勃起功能障碍 (ED)的有效性和安全性。　方法 :随机选择 2 6～ 5 0岁、术后 6月以上及血肌酐 133μmol/L以下的已婚男性肾移植受者 170例 ,对他们肾移植术后的性功能状况行国际勃起功能指数 5 (IIEF 5 )评分 ,存在ED者首先进行心理治疗 3个月 ,无效者用枸橼酸西地那非治疗 6个月 ,对他们的性生活情况进行随访并作出评分。　结果 :170例肾移植受者中 ,5 3例存在经心理治疗无效的ED ,枸橼酸西地那非治疗半年后IIEF 5评分中的各项参数均明显改善 ,对血肌酐、环孢素A谷值浓度无影响 ,不良反应轻微且短暂。　结论 :枸橼酸西地那非治疗肾移植术后ED安全、有效。     

Antioxidant treatment associated with sildenafil reduces monocyte activation and markers of endothelial damage in patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the synergic effect of propionyl L-carnitine (PLC) plus sildenafil in reducing monocyte oxidative activity and endothelial dysfunction markers in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: Thirty-two type 2 diabetic patients with ED (according to the International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5]) were randomized to receive PLC (2 g/d) alone (n=8) or combined with sildenafil (50 mg/d twice weekly) (n=8), sildenafil alone (50 mg/d twice weekly) (n=8), or placebo (n=8) in a double-blind, fixed-dose study. Monocyte oxidative activity (stimulation index [SI]), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], P-selectin, advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels, Doppler sonography (recording peak systolic velocity [PSV]; end diastolic velocity [EDV]; systolic wave time [SWT]; resistive index [RI]), and IIEF score were evaluated before and after 12 wk of treatment; IIEF-5 was evaluated again 4 wk posttreatment. RESULTS: SI was reduced by treatment with PLC alone or combined with sildenafil (p<0.05). In patients treated with PLC plus sildenafil, a decrease in ICAM-1, P-selectin, and EDV values was observed compared with patients treated with sildenafil alone (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively). IIEF-5 improved in all patients treated with PLC plus sildenafil or sildenafil alone (p<0.03, p<0.05, respectively). Four weeks posttreatment, patients treated with PLC plus sildenafil maintained the improvement of the IIEF-5 compared with patients on sildenafil alone (p=0.05). In patients on PLC treatment (with or without sildenafil), SI was correlated with IIEF-5 (p<0.001), glycemia with STW (p<0.03), and AGEs with IIEF-5 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: PLC plus sildenafil was more effective in reducing SI and endothelial dysfunction markers in patients with type 2 diabetes and ED.